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‘Punky Brewster’ Revival Gives Jasika Nicole A Chance To Showcase Black Queer Love

For more than a decade, Jasika Nicole has been a prolific presence on television, with acclaimed performances on “Fringe” and “The Good Doctor,” among other hit shows. Still, it took the revival of a classic 1980s franchise to deliver what could be her most personal role to date.

The actor appears opposite Soleil Moon Frye and Cherie Johnson in Peabody’s “Punky Brewster,” which debuted last month. Like “Fuller House” and the “Saved by the Bell” revival, the new “Punky Brewster” is fan service for audiences who grew up with the original, which aired from 1984 to 1988. But with the once-child stars now playing adult versions of their characters, the show’s creators have incorporated modern themes alongside the nostalgia.

 

This February was the coldest in more than 30 years

 

Halfway through the 10-episode season, audiences subtly learn that Cherie (Johnson) is queer and in a relationship with a biracial lawyer, Lauren (Nicole). And without giving away spoilers, Lauren seems likely to be granted more screen time in Season 2.

“I’m always excited to go in for queer roles,” said the 40-year-old Alabama native, who is also an illustrator and sculptor. “Historically, though, they’ve tended to go to straight actors. It’s like they want to have a queer storyline represented, but they don’t want to go too far and make it ‘too gay’ or something like that. So I wanted to make this very, very gay. I’m so happy ‘Punky Brewster’ is as gay as it is right now.”

Source: ‘Punky Brewster’ Revival Gives Jasika Nicole A Chance To Showcase Black Queer Love